Lakewood, NJ Utility & Living Guide

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Lakewood, NJ Utility & Living Guide

Lakewood, NJ offers a vibrant community with a mix of suburban charm and urban conveniences.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Lakewood
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Lakewood
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L)
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

New Jersey Natural Gas
💧 Water

$45/mo

Lakewood Municipal Utilities Authority
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Lakewood Township Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead $305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Lakewood’s housing market is competitive, with steady demand driven by its growing population. Prices have risen due to limited inventory and high demand from families and commuters.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6.625% + County 0% + City 0.875%</p>

New Jersey has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 1.4% to 10.75%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+15% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple
Business Momentum
High with key industries in healthcare, education, and retail.
Top Local Concerns
Traffic congestion, rising housing costs, school overcrowding
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited, but major bus routes are accessible. Sidewalks are common in residential areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Lake Carasaljo
  • 🎯
    Allaire State Park
  • 🎯
    Lakewood BlueClaws Stadium

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The North Lakewood area is popular for families due to its proximity to schools and parks. The downtown area offers walkable amenities but has higher density.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Lakewood based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Local Regulation Notice

Lakewood has strict zoning laws and requires permits for most home renovations. Short-term rentals are heavily regulated.

Relocation Overview

Lakewood is experiencing rapid growth in its retail and healthcare sectors. Rising home prices and rental costs are key financial trends impacting residents.

Live Local News

Financial Tools

Calculators
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📊 Lakewood — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$52,222
👤 Median Age
17.1
🏠 Homeownership Rate
39.0%
🔑 Renter Rate
61.0%
📉 Poverty Rate
27.7%
💼 Unemployment Rate
5.9%
📡 Internet Access
56.6%
🎓 College Educated
30.1%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in winter due to heating needs, while summer sees higher electricity usage for air conditioning. Gas bills can double in colder months.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by neighborhood, with no local surtaxes specific to Lakewood county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10 with explanation: Sidewalks are well-maintained in most areas, parks are accessible, but public transit lacks stroller-friendly features.

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